Mary Souza’s Newsletter

We have so much to be thankful for on this auspicious date of 11-11-11!  The Chinese believe eleven is the number of enlightenment and, in this crazy world, we could all use some wisdom.

First, on this Veteran’s Day, let’s honor the service of all the military men and women who have devoted themselves to safeguarding our freedom.  They are the foundation of this country and greatly deserve our thanks.

Secondly, on a personal note, my honor and thanks go to my wonderful husband as we celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary today.  He is a treasure and saying “I do” was our best decision ever.  (more…)

Mary Souza’s Newsletter

I almost fell off my chair when I realized that the City of CdA gives  SIX weeks of paid vacation after employees have been on the job over 10 years.  Doesn’t that sound European?  Don’t the French mandate that everyone have six weeks paid vacation each year…how’s that entitlement working out for them?

But the golden benefits don’t stop with a mere SIX weeks.  Goodness, no! You have to add sick time of THREE weeks per year, for everyone, even the newbies.  And then add in ELEVEN paid holidays, for everyone of course.  And there’s more…    (more…)

As I stood to begin my part of our public presentation last Tuesday, I was surprised by the intensity of the audience’s focus; it was like a wave of positive energy coming up over the stage.  Everyone was riveted to the information Sharon Culbreth, had just delivered in the first part of the program, and their concentration did not abate until we were all done.

The room was full, with folks standing across the back.  Mayor Bloem, Wendy Gabriel, the City Administrator, Councilwoman Deanna Goodlander and other city officials were in attendance.  The audience was a nice mix of new faces and long time supporters.  City Council candidates Steve Adams, Amber Copeland, Dan Gookin, and Adam Graves were are also present, but none of the incumbents were there.

So let me give you some of the highlights.  There were several “Oh My” moments:

1. The LCDC owns the Library.  It’s true.  We showed the recorded Deeds, with the signatures and seals and dates, showing that LCDC owns the property.  Under Idaho law, unless there is a legal contract or binding agreement, any buildings on a property belong to the property owner.   (more…)

Mary Souza’s Newsletter

Did you hear that George Sayler declared, in a public forum Friday morning, that he does not favor a public vote on the McEuen Park remodel and thinks the city should “move forward” with the project?  George has said in the past that if he was on the city council he would second a motion so the council could discuss a public vote, but Friday he clarified that he is not in favor of an actual public vote, advisory or other wise. At least now we know where he stands.  Sayler, pictured above, is a former State Representative, now running for the CdA City Council.   (more…)

Proposed STAR Science Center

The 4th of July holiday is all about celebrating the birth of our country, our independence and our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  In this newsletter I want to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Drs. Lorna and Paul Finman, who are shining examples of what independence, liberty and innovation can produce.  (more…)

Mary Souza’s Newsletter

Happy Flag Day!  Do you think Tubb’s Hill is off the chopping block?  It’s not. Do you think a public vote on McEuen is illegal?  It’s not.  And did you assume the CdA school district follows the law and accepted policy?  Not so much.  Come on in, sit down, we have some things to talk about:  (more…)

Mary Souza’s Newsletter

True colors were showing last night.  Not only did the council seem predetermined in their views but they lacked any courage at all (except Ron) because they just sat there, totally silent, unwilling to explain to the citizens their reasons for removing the boat launch, ball fields and why this enormous, contentious project should not be put to a public advisory vote.

About 400 people filled the room.  A noticeable majority of the folks had paper signs saying “Save McEuen” or “Public Vote”. Many had both.

This was an official city council meeting, so all the council members and the mayor were up front at a long table.  The evening started with a pretty, public relations presentation by the city and Team McEuen, espousing all the wonders that will come from dropping $40 Million into this existing park.  (more…)

Mary Souza’s Newsletter

We’re back from our trip to help bury my father-in-law and honor his memory.  It was a poignant but bonding journey for our family.  Thank you for all the emails and cards, we deeply appreciate your condolences.

It’s now time for some changes in my focus and in this newsletter.  I’m launching into a new challenge, unrelated to community events, so the format of my newsletter will change to more of a “clearing house” concept.  I will offer bullet-points on local issues with as many links as possible so you can click and get more information if a certain topic grabs your interest.  (more…)

Pres. Franklin Roosevelt

Mary Souza’s Newsletter

The Wisconsin and Idaho teachers grabbed my attention this past week.  Their signs, shouts and indignant anger drove me to research the distinction between public and private sector unions.  I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never paid much attention to those differences until now.

Private sector unions deal with corporations.  These employee unions negotiate for better wages and benefits, and any increases come out of company profits.  But the company must be careful because if they give too much, they’ll go out of business and everyone will be without a job.

Public sector unions, however, are another issue. These are unions for government employees, teachers, police and fire fighters. Government workers don’t create any profits, so they are paid by taxpayer dollars, and therein lies the problem.  Did you know that even the very liberal President Franklin Roosevelt, who was a champion of private unions, said that government employees should not have union negotiations for their contracts?  Here’s what he said:   (more…)